Adults-Only Garden District Cemetery Anne Rice True Crime Tour

If you’re looking for a way to experience New Orleans beyond the usual tourist spots, this Adults-Only Garden District Cemetery Anne Rice True Crime Tour offers a captivating mix of history, hauntings, and pop culture. Designed for those who enjoy a touch of the eerie and the mysterious, this tour combines the city’s spooky tales with iconic filming locations and literary connections. It’s a one-of-a-kind way to explore the neighborhood’s secrets while avoiding children and family-friendly crowds.

What we particularly love about this experience is its knowledgeable guides, who bring stories to life with enthusiasm and depth. The tour also hits a sweet spot by mixing historical insights—like the city’s fight against yellow fever—with the glamour of film and literature. A potential downside? Since it’s an adults-only tour, families with children will need to look elsewhere. But for anyone interested in ghost stories, crime lore, or Anne Rice’s gothic universe, this is a perfect fit.

This experience is best suited for curious adults who appreciate a good story, enjoy walking, and want to learn about New Orleans’ darker side. Whether you’re a horror aficionado or just love uncovering hidden city gems, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

Key Points

• Focused on adults: No children allowed, providing a more mature storytelling atmosphere.
• Knowledgeable guides: Guides are praised for their expertise and engaging delivery.
• Cultural connections: Combines local history, horror films, and Anne Rice’s literary universe.
• Balanced itinerary: Mixes cemeteries, historic homes, and pop culture sites.
• Approximate duration: 1 hour 45 minutes, perfect for a leisurely yet immersive experience.
• Value for money: At $35, it offers a detailed and authentic exploration of the Garden District’s spooky side.

Exploring the Ghostly and Literary Side of New Orleans

This tour offers a chance to see the Garden District not just as a pretty neighborhood of mansions but as a place teeming with stories of death, ghosts, and gothic literature. The tour starts at Lafayette Cemetery, though access is currently restricted due to construction—a common issue in historic New Orleans. Still, guides share fascinating insights into the city’s history with yellow fever, burial customs, and the occult, setting a spooky tone from the outset.

What makes this experience stand out is the expert guidance. Multiple reviews rave about guides like Kelsey, whose enthusiasm and knowledge transform what could be a basic walk into a compelling storytelling session. Reviewers note she “knew exactly what she was talking about,” and her focus on guests’ interests, especially relating to Anne Rice, adds a personal touch.

A Step-by-Step Look at the Itinerary

Lafayette Cemetery (Note: Currently unavailable for entry)

While we can’t access the cemetery due to construction, the guide’s commentary on New Orleans’ yellow fever history and burial practices adds context. This cemetery is iconic, and when open, it’s a must-see for its above-ground tombs and eerie atmosphere. The guide’s stories about death rites deepen understanding of local customs and the city’s haunted reputation.

Livaudais Hall

The first stop on the tour introduces the “American Sector” and the Livaudais family’s ties to the Lower Garden District. Here, history mixes with local lore, offering insights into the neighborhood’s development and its links to notable families. The stop is brief but informative, setting the stage for later stories about the area’s past.

The Rink Shopping Center

Not a typical tourist stop but a fascinating piece of local history. The guide explains how this shopping plaza earned its nickname “The Rink,” adding flavor to the neighborhood’s evolving story. We loved the way this stop connects everyday places with the city’s past.

Garden District Book Shop

Literary fans will appreciate this location, especially with its connection to Anne Rice—one of New Orleans’ most famous authors. The guide points out its significance in Rice’s life and work, making it a highlight for fans of her gothic novels. The shop isn’t included in the ticket price, but it’s worth a visit later.

Our Mother of Perpetual Help

This church and its lively community significance provide a break from the dark tales, showing how locals turn to faith during storms—literally and figuratively. It’s a reminder of how religion and community tie into the city’s character.

Women’s Guild Home

This hidden gem offers a peek into the city’s rich musical and cultural fabric. The guide shares stories about the building’s history and its role in local opera and arts, painting a picture of New Orleans’ vibrant cultural scene beyond the ghosts.

Soria-Creel Mansion / Mayfair Mansion

For fans of Anne Rice or the hit series Mayfair Witches, this stop is a thrill. The house has a reputation for more than just its looks—it’s a filming location and a piece of fiction come to life. The guide explains its significance and the stories surrounding it, making it a favorite for literature and television buffs.

Buckner Mansion

Arguably the most famous stop, Buckner Mansion combines real history with the fictional world of Rice’s Interview with the Vampire. Fans of American Horror Story will also recognize it. Visitors find themselves imagining the stories played out in its shadow, and guides often share fascinating tales of its past residents.

The Experience: What You Get and What It Means

The tour’s value lies in its balance of storytelling and sights. The roughly 1 hour 45 minutes walk keeps things manageable, and the small group size (max 20 travelers) fosters intimacy and chances to ask questions. The guides’ enthusiasm and expertise are consistently praised in reviews, with many describing them as “very knowledgeable” and “focused on guests’ interests,” especially regarding Anne Rice.

Pricing at $35 per person reflects a reasonable fee for such an in-depth, themed experience. It covers all fees and taxes, plus the guide’s insights. The stops are mostly free except for the bookstore and the Women’s Guild Home, so you might choose to explore those further on your own.

The tour’s focus on haunted homes, cemeteries, and filming locations offers a well-rounded look at the neighborhood’s spooky and glamorous sides. You’ll get stories that are both historical and pop culture-oriented, appealing to a broad spectrum of interests. It’s also a great way to meet like-minded travelers, with reviews highlighting the enjoyable company and enthusiastic guides.

Practical Considerations

• Meeting point is centrally located on Washington Ave, easy to reach via public transportation.
• Duration: Less than two hours, ideal for fitting into a busy sightseeing day.
• Pricing: $35 is a fair value given the depth of storytelling and access to notable sites, though some stops are just viewings from the outside.
• Accessibility: Most travelers can participate, but be prepared for a walking tour that covers several blocks.
• Children: The tour is adults-only, so it’s best suited for mature audiences interested in ghost stories and crime lore.
• Cancellation policy: Free if canceled 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind if your plans change.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour hits the sweet spot for travelers seeking a more mature exploration of New Orleans’ eerie side. It’s perfect for those interested in horror, literature, and local legends. The guides’ depth of knowledge and engaging storytelling make it more than just a walk past pretty houses—it’s an immersive experience into the city’s dark corners.

It’s especially suitable for Anne Rice fans and people wanting to see well-known filming locations connected to popular series. If you enjoy history mixed with ghost stories, and you’re comfortable walking and standing for nearly two hours, this tour offers excellent value.

However, if you prefer a family-friendly outing or aren’t keen on adult-themed stories, you might want to look elsewhere. The focus on adult themes, ghostly tales, and crime stories makes this a niche experience, but one done exceptionally well.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for kids?
No, it is an adults-only tour, catering to travelers over 17 who are interested in ghost stories, crime, and gothic literature.

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, making it a manageable activity for most travelers.

What sites does the tour include?
Highlights include the Garden District highlights, filming locations of Mayfair Witches and American Horror Story, Buckner Mansion, and the Women’s Guild Home. However, access to Lafayette Cemetery is currently unavailable due to construction.

Is the tour walking or transportation-based?
It’s a walking tour, covering several neighborhood sites with stops along the way.

What is the price?
It costs $35 per person, which includes all fees and taxes.

Are there any discounts or promotions?
The tour has been popular, with over 10 bookings last month, indicating consistent interest, though no specific discounts are mentioned.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving flexibility if needed.

To sum it up, the Adults-Only Garden District Cemetery Anne Rice True Crime Tour offers a compelling, well-guided look into New Orleans’ haunted and literary worlds. Its focus on expert guides, authentic stories, and iconic filming locations makes it a standout for travelers craving a mix of history, mystery, and pop culture. Perfect for those who enjoy a good ghost story and appreciate learning about a city’s darker history with a knowledgeable host.